Praise You In This Storm

much to be thankful for......

I woke up to one of my worst nightmares this morning...   I got up two hours early to get ready for church, was looking forward to taking the kids to cowboy church.  Colton was excited to wear his new cowboy boots and bibs. I was feeling refreshed and happy (got my hair done last night, thanks to TIFFANY)... but I went to the bathroom and to my surprise I saw three maggots on the bathroom floor... since this had happened before I looked out the bathroom (yes, the door was open) and could see my kitchen floor covered in them!  I felt like crying... but called my friend Michelle and told her we would NOT be making it to church. I got everything cleaned up about the time we would have been leaving.   WEll, the devil got his way and the King family did NOT attend church. I still have not had time to read my bible as I was sore and exhausted and decided to take an afternoon nap after talking with Sean . I decided amongst all my problems today whether it be creepy crawly little worms all over my house to a crabby teething baby or a 4 year old pestering me ALL  DAY LONG to go play with the neighbor kids... I could still be happy and  TRY to enjoy my day.   On the bright side..... my laundry room, bathroom, garbage closet, kitchen and dining room are all bleached and smelling wonderful!!!!!!!  The neighbor girls even came and helped me clean upstairs and vacuumed the whole house... and the neighbor boy cleaned up my back yard.  I kept thinking the Rental agency was going to show up today.. since I called and talked to Will on their emergency line this morning and told him all about my problem.  I guess they'll come tomorrow!  Anyway... I'm beginning to wonder if this is a sign from GOD.  See, I've been debating weather to move on post or not... and guess what the first thing to pop into my head was this morning?  YES.. you got it...  moving!  BUT Sean is gone and I'd have to do all the packing myself.  We've been here 7 months and I still feel like I just got settled in.. still making curtains and hanging pictures! LOL   Anyway.. grandma Doris says if it's meant to be all the right doors will be opened and if not, they will be closed.  I think I'm going to go talk to housing this week just to see what's available.  If there is something in Kouma Village I may take the plunge!  Also, of course my wonderful army wife friends have already offered to help me move!  One of the reasons for moving would be to save around 300.00 a month.

Anyway... evening is falling... and it's time for me to read my bible.   This song just came on KLOVE and it brought tears to my eyes.  Always, what I need to hear, when I hear it! I will forever support this great station :o)

I miss Sean like crazy today....only got to talk to him for a few minutes, his internet was down last night.. so hopefully it'll work tonight and we'll be able to talk more.   I know I have friends going through much worse things right now....like this is so minor.  I am sure everyone has these days though, where you feel everything is against you.  But you know what? My God is huge and nothing can come between US!  I love you Jesus and thank you so much that I have a home that is filled with little blond blessings running everywhere!

My first ACU BAG!!!!

Ok.. so I got a babysitter and went to a sewing class. I of course could have saved 30.00 and figured this out on my own by watching youtube video or reading directions off of paper...  but my amazing husband encouraged me to get out for the day and do something fun and learn how to do it RIGHT!  SOOO glad I listened and took the time to learn.  I made this amazing little diaper bag/big purse, whatever you want to call it. I just need to get all of Sean's patches on it so it'll look like a real ARMY WIFE bag.  Since my machine doesn't embroider I am going to get the name tags done with blue matching thread.  Then of course on the large velcro pockets I'll have the 1st Cavalry patch.

(Click Image to enlarge)

This is the front that will have "KING" on the left and maybe ARMY WIFE on the right

 There are two slanted pockets you can't see very good.   The center patch is for their rank but I 

could also put something else there instead.

this is the back that will have the Cavalry Patches

 And the inside has one large pocket on the left and on the right I took one 

really big pocket and made two small pockets and a pen holder pocket.  The straps are made

of name tag strap that i can get from the military surplus stores.. I just added my own fabric to the 

back side, the inside of the bag is lined with fusable badding.

I have several more to make so let the orders begin!!!!

Email me if your interested sheilah@wiktel.com  For those of you NOT in the militray I could skip the outside velcro patches.

Goodies in the MAIL

My wonderful friend Wendy in California and her friend Tina sent me and the kids a box of surprises~  Colton and Carley were so excited to open it and find a whole book of stickers!  Carley got My little PONY stickers and Colton got Winnie the Pooh! There was a cute little box that she made for me!  You can kind of see it in the big box... and it was full of caramels, pop cycle sticks and a recipe for caramel apples.  I can NOT tell you how GREAT they were... but hopefully these pictures will do them justice!  I hadn't had one in years!  This will definitely be an on-going project and treat for me and the kids!  THANK YOU WENDY AND TINA and your FAMILIES, for thinking of this military family so far away :)  Most of all thank you for your prayers!

Don't you just want one right about now???

...................... and the apples were perfectly sour!

Birthday Boys... (belated)

  (click images to enlarge)

This was the worst frosting EVER

Stetson and his friend Jay

My children are growing up before my eyes and I wish I could just pause time so that I can hug them and kiss their little cheeks forever!  We got to celebrate both boys bdays before Sean left so this was the last "PARTY" we had together!  Colton's bday was August 12th and Stetsons was September 8th.  We celebrated at Chuckee Cheese with some neighbors and military friends.

My first Apron....and my 100th BLOG POST!

I finally got around to making my first apron....  I knew they would be pretty easy and I probably wouldn't have needed a pattern to do a simple one.  I found this pattern at Wal-mart and couldn't pass it up.  The fabric was on the remnant rack for 2.95 a yard.  I only used about 1 yard total cause I made it shorter than what the pattern said. So, with fabric and the pattern I think I stayed under 6.00. I don't remember how much the pattern cost. But it couldn't have been more than 2 or 3.00. But now my next one will only be the cost of the fabric.  They had cheaper fabric but I saw this print and couldn't pass it up either!

Team Beachbody!

If anyone is interested in trying a new work out program you can go to my sites to check them out.  We offer

Insanity
P90X
Turbo Fire
Body Gospel just to name a few!  Make sure you check out the success stories!


www.beachbodycoach.com/ARMYWIFE49
 
www.shakeology.com/ARMYWIFE49 

These link to my profile but you can also go to


www.teambeachbody.com/ARMYWIFE49

If you want to join from my page, I will automatically become your online coach!

Remember if you are burning an insane amount of calories to eat enough calories and protein to fuel your body. Drink lots of water and electrolytes!  To  hydrated for your work out you need to drink a lot of water the day before!  But also make sure your water is handy throughout your work out... I sip water between each set!  You may also need to eat a small hand full of fruit for energy about 30 to 40 minutes prior.  This works well for me :)  You don't want a full stomach but you also don't want an empty stomach. God bless and have a wonderful DAY!

5 year Anniversary

‎5 years ago today I married the man of my dreams! I never knew a girl could love or be loved so deeply! We are more in L-O-V-E today than the day we married.... He has far exceeded my hopes and dreams since that wonderful day! Even though we are thousands of miles apart, your are near to my heart and in my thoughts every minute of every day!

Insanity......

So, most of you know that I started a pretty insane work out June 21st.   I decided that instead of staying in my comfort zone and living each day casually that I would kick it up a notch and see what my body could actually do if I pushed it.   I always thought .. I could never join the army due to all the physical stress and exercises they make you do.  Well, I found very quickly that if I put my mind to doing something extremely hard that putting my mind over my body it could be done. Over the past few months I've learned that I have more "get up and go" than I ever thought possible.  I was also kinda depressed about the fact that my body had taken such a toll from child birth.  I wondered if it would ever be the same again. I was feeling sluggish and tired and of course not very confident!!  Well, to my surprise, I'm feeling better and more in shape than I did prior to my childbearing years and I'm almost 30!

(click to enlarge)

I hope these pictures are ok to share!  I just want YOU to see what Insanity can do!!!
You can go to Teambeachbody.com for info on the program... or check Insanity on Facebook.

I am still on Round two.. have 7 weeks left.  So, at the end I'll be posting again.
I am doing extra ab work outs this round as to hopefully get rid of the loose baby skin.  I believe it is possible.  I also found this site interesting. One of them says you should never lose weight too rapidly.  No more than 3 pounds a week to help prevent loose skin.  Unless you are VERY overweight that probably wouldn't be a problem. I'm finding it hard to lose 1 or 2.  But I'm also only 4 pounds from my goal. 

www.best-abs-exercises.com/loose-stomach-skin.html

Carley's New Handmade dress!

I love how it turned out it's probably just hard to see how I did the skirt with godetts!  But basically it just made it more full looking... by adding extra material between a couple seams.

(click images to enlarge)

SHE LOVES it if you can't tell by her posing!  I'll have to post a picture after I find a cute white sweater to wear over it! I have some really cute pink plastic docrative buttons I was going to sew on to the front bodice but I'm afraid she'd just pull them off.. cause they kinda stick out. So, if I can find some more cute ones that are smaller I still might do that.  It would dress it up a bit, I think.

not to brag but to inspire!

Today is rather a blah day in the King home.   I had plans to attend a new bible study with my friend Tara Head.  But Carley came down hard with whatever Colton had last week.  He's finally better but she has a very soar throat and fever!  It's been an easy day with Carley laid up.  The other two seem to be tired as well so there is not a lot of commotion.

Monday I started Insanity again!  I still have about 5 pounds to lose to be to my goal.  That will  actually be the weight I was when I got married. Although I should look better because I've gained a lot of muscle.  I think even though the scale says I'm not there yet I am in better shape than I've ever been in my life! And my measurements prove it!  I had no idea being fit could feel so great!  I have energy and feel better about myself. I'm telling you this not to brag but to inspire!!!  If I can do this and be motivated than YOU can too!  I for one am NOT a morning person... although the more I get up early and do this the more I enjoy it.  It's kind of my "Mommy time" and if I am really fast I can eat breakfast and read my Bible before they wake up as well.  What a wonderful way to start your day!  If I don't get all that done..I feel as though my day is behind from the moment I get out of bed.  The exercise actually, believe it or not, gives me more energy and motivation to get through my day and accomplish all that I have to get done.

I am still considering becoming a beach body coach. I'd like to make a little money while being a SAHM.  I wanted to make sure I have time for sewing and scrap booking as well... but hopefully it can just be a part time job at first. Also, with being able to do pictures on Shutterfly I wont have to spend near as much time scrap booking all my pictures!

Since Sean has left almost 3 weeks ago.. I think I'm beginning to adjust to a new routine.  I'm getting up earlier, which means the kids get up a little earier as well and we can go to bed at a better time.  Sean comes on skype every morning and every night.  Our time difference is 8 hours... which is weird..Cause when I go to sleep on Friday he's just waking up on Saturday!  I can not imagine what it was like back during WW2 or Vietnam when couples couldn't talk very ofter if at all!!! So, I feel very blessed we have the communication we do.   Even now there are woman who get very short phone calls and short conference calls. That has got to be so hard!!!  They have an awesome program where soldiers over seas can read a book and have it video recorded.  We have received three books with DVD's of Sean reading to the kids!  Colton loves to follow along with him.  And it's great for the others to see him as well.  The skype calls are never very clear.

I miss you babe, your are the world to me and I can't imagine what the day will be like when you return.  I pray for you daily, that you can stay strong and your time will go fast! I have total Faith that Jesus is with you and protecting you.  I am so glad I don't have to worry and carry that weight.

Lord you are amazing... I love you with all my heart and am open to whatever your Will is for our lives.  Thank you for comforting me and giving me peace in this situation.  I thank you for my husband and the sacrifice he is willing to make for our country and our family!  Lord thank you for our three wonderful blessings and the love I have for them and the joy that they bring to this world.  Thank you for comforting them and giving them strength through this separation as well.   I know God that you are our TRUE Father... Help us to always remember it's ALL about you, not just the here and now.   Help us to look to the future and live life to it's fullest.  Help us to grow in Faith and be stronger through everything.  That we may LOVE you more! Give me courage and strength to teach my children and discipline them in a way that is honoring to YOU.   Thank you for giving us life and loving us.  We love YOU Father.  Amen.

Carley's dress for Cowboy Church....

Ok... I bought this really cute jean skirt at the thrift store... and had this cute bandanna fabric and white lace I thought I'd just add on to it... I didn't mean for it to be so long... should I leave it or pull it up and make that bottom layer shorter?  OR>. I could re do the whole thing and make more wavy ruffles!   Also, have to find a cute top to go with it.  She just wanted to where her rodeo shirt for the picture.  I think little red cowgirl boots now would be adorable!

Carley's new Cowgirl outfit

I finally made cookies to put in my jar
that Ashlee made for me....
I love it Ashlee.... Thank YOU!

What does Blessed Mean?

I was feeling so truly blessed today on my baby Stetson's birthday.  I can't even explain the joy I am feeling inside when I count my many blessings. With my hubby soon to deploy I feel as though I need to focus on everything positive in my life.  Without the Lord to remind me of ALL the good ... I would tend to get down easily and pitty myself in the unfairness of life.  I received this in an email this morning from Aunt Eese in Arizona.  Thank you Lisa... for these words of encouragement. 

My happy little blessing........

Blessed

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
— Ephesians 1:3


The word "blessed" is a wonderful word. Christians use the words "blessed" and "blessing" a lot, and most of the time we mean it. There are times when we use it as an expression to terminate a conversation that is going too long. We will say something to the effect of, "Well, that's great. Wow. Hey, praise the Lord and God bless you." This can be translated, "Please stop talking now." That, of course, is not the proper way to use it.

"Blessed" is a Christian word. It is a spiritual word. It is a biblical word. And it has been hijacked by our culture. People may talk about "blessings" in their lives, but the nonbeliever has no idea what a real blessing is, because only the child of God truly knows what it is to be blessed. It is also worth noting that Jesus both began and concluded His earthly ministry blessing people.

So what does it mean to be blessed? The word "blessed" Jesus used in the Sermon on the Mount is from the Greek word makarios, which means to be happy or blissful, but it also means a self-contained happiness. The Greeks called the Island of Cypress "the happy isle." They believed that because of its geographical location, perfect climate, and fertile soil that anyone who lived on Cypress had it made in the shade. And the term they associated with the island was makarios. They believed everything you needed to be happy was right there on Cypress.

We can't all move to Cypress, but the idea is that our happiness is independent of our circumstances. It is self-contained, meaning that regardless of what is happening to us externally, we can be truly happy internally. We can be genuinely blessed as followers of Jesus Christ.

Part 3

On the way home from Cody, Wyoming we decided to take the scenic route through Montana and go North.  Seriously if any of you think my parents live in the middle of NOWHERE!  You have to drive out there....   I mean... rolling hills and open land... we drove miles without seeing a cow or a horse!   We even stopped in this small town about the size of Lake Bronson, MN... maybe smaller... the topic in the gas station consisted of 10 beef steers at the local fair... which had been up since the last few when there had only been 2-4....   the lady who did all the talking had been working all day at the fair for over 10 hours and then to work at the local gas station for the night.  I've never heard anyone so proud of her county.  She bragged about the bread she had made for the bake sale and all the help she did with the younger kids.  She could have gone on for hours telling us how great her little fair was.  We actually ordered our dinner in this little town.  Homemade burgers and fries filled our tummies...while we listened in on the small town gossip...    hmm.. this sounds familiar.. oh yeah, that's because I am from a small town!   One doesn't forget the little things in life that you actually miss from time to time. I actually miss going to the Kittson County fair...   and I look forward to the day our kids are making projects at the last minute and were volunteering to paint benches and bake pies.  As a mom, I finally understand why PARENTS do the things they do.  There is NOTHING in this world more exciting to me than seeing the faces of my children light up with excitement. Being back on my parents ranch and taking the kids on horseback rides was one of those times.  Also, because maybe horses were my first love.  I'm hoping that one day they'll follow my footsteps.  

We celebrated Colton and Mallori's bday together

Colton's was on August 12 and Mallori's on the 10th!

This is my beautiful sister Katrice and her little man Will!

We got to visit my Grandpa Floyds grave site... I still miss that man every day!

This is Hudson, my new little brother and Stetson's cousin :)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My handsome dad with his two youngest grandsons!

Beams from the twin towers in NY.

International Peace Garden

                            Colton and Kenai

These last three pictures are from the International Peace Gardens.  We had to stop there because we were so close.  I had lived there with my parents when my dad worked at the Customs station as a Customs inspector.  We moved there after moving back from California where my dad had previously been a Border Patrol.   So, I got to see the house we lived in and make the walk around the beautiful garden.  We drove the 6 miles loope around the outside as well.. and it brought back vivid memories of when my dad used to go running and I'd trail behind on my bike.  I actually don't remember exactly how I kept up.. but it must have been a bike because I was only about 6 years old I know I couldn't run as fast as him!  But the trails were just as I had remembered. 

Family Vacation ............. Part 2

after leaving yellowstone we stopped at our friends Cody and Jessica Morris' house.  Their baby girl Abigail was only about 2 weeks old!    We met and had pizza at the coolest pizza place ever... they had a huge play area with giant blocks and a climbing tower and tonka trucks for the little ones to push around.  The kids had fun getting to know each other there before going to their house for the night.   Plus after being in the car all day it was nice to let them wear off some energy.

I caught this picture of Sean holding Abigail... isn't she an angel?

Samuel is quite the ham himself... he likes to sing and dance and play with his dog.   Kenai and Toby got a long GREAT and I think Kenai thought he was him mom at first!  Sorry pal... there is no milk down there!

The rowdy bunch~

Cody and Jess watched ALL the kids while Sean and I went on a two mile jog down this road... 

it was just beautiful... I think I could definitely live in Wyoming some day!